Platinum International Real Estate and Investments

Monday, August 11, 2014

Talented Belizean Artists took to the stage at the 2014 Belize National Song Competition

Belizeans are gearing up for the month of September which is a month of celebrations and festivities in Belize.

Winners of the 2014 Belize National Song Competition
L-R: TRShine, Cecil Jenkins, Nello Player
© 2014 Will Moreno Photography. All Rights Reserved

The festivities started off on Saturday, August 9th, 2014 when talented Belizean artists took to the stage in hopes of winning and taking the title for their respective divisions of music. The National Song Competition is broken into three Divisions; Junior Belize Song, Senior Belize Song and Carnival Song Divisions.

There was a really good cross section of artists from all over Belize, some are new artists and some are experienced artists. The artists really came out singing at their very best and some surely entertained in style, showcasing Belizean patriotic costumes to heighten the mood and feeling of their songs. Here are some of the photos from the night, courtesy of Will Moreno Photography

Lucreshia Underwood
© 2014 Will Moreno Photography. All Rights Reserved

Tara Gill
© 2014 Will Moreno Photography. All Rights Reserved

Jael August
© 2014 Will Moreno Photography. All Rights Reserved

Sam Harris
© 2014 Will Moreno Photography. All Rights Reserved

Ernestine Carballo
© 2014 Will Moreno Photography. All Rights Reserved

Chico Ramos
© 2014 Will Moreno Photography. All Rights Reserved

Shameeka Moir - Breakout Artist of the Year
© 2014 Will Moreno Photography. All Rights Reserved

Earlyn Hutchinson - Breakout Artist of the Year
© 2014 Will Moreno Photography. All Rights Reserved

Boss Lady
© 2014 Will Moreno Photography. All Rights Reserved

Ernestine Carballo
© 2014 Will Moreno Photography. All Rights Reserved

Leslie Bastic Jenkins - "Big Truck" - Breakout Artist of the Year
© 2014 Will Moreno Photography. All Rights Reserved

After an undoubtedly difficult decision there were only 3 winners from all 18 artists that made it to the finals that could claim the title. Those winners were Cecil Jenkins Jr. who claimed the title for the Junior Belize Song Division with his song, "Pocono Buoy". Nello Player who claimed the title for the Senior Belize Song Division with his song, "Real Belizean" and TR Shine who claimed the title for the Carnival Song Division with his song, "Borderline". Nello Player and TR Shine also walked away with the People's Choice Awards for their respective divisions.

Cecil Jenkins Jr - "Pocono Buoy" - Winner of Junior Belize Song Division
© 2014 Will Moreno Photography. All Rights Reserved

Nello Player - "Real Belizean" - Winner of Senior Belize Song Division
© 2014 Will Moreno Photography. All Rights Reserved

TR Shine - "Borderline" - Winner of Carnival Song Division
© 2014 Will Moreno Photography. All Rights Reserved

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Another Pageant win for Belize at the 29th Annual Miss International Pageant at the University of South Florida.

Belizean Beauty Ambassador, Jacinta Gomez, has won the coveted title of Miss International 2014 at the University of South Florida (USF).

Jacinta Gomez
Miss International 2014 Winner

The Miss International Pageant was launched in 1984 by The Caribbean Cultural Exchange at the University of South Florida to promote multicultural diversity.

According to the Annual Miss International Facebook page, "The Pageant provides a superb opportunity for young women to share their unique cultures and educate the members of the USF community about their area of the world. It serves as a forum for the voices of female students to be heard as they address contemporary and important issues which are personally important to them, their communities, and to their countries at large. Through this experience, the goal of promoting multicultural diversity at USF is achieved.

Jacinta Gomez
Miss International 2014 Winner

In speaking with Ms. Jacinta Gomez, she explained to us that there were 3 sections, introduction (of country and contestant), cultural presentation, and evening wear with Question and Answer and they were judged on the criteria of poise, stage presence, clarity, content (knowledge of culture) and creativity. She stated that she was very proud of her accomplishment and definitely proud of her win for Belize.

Jacinta Gomez
Miss International 2014 Winner

We would certainly like to congratulate her on winning the coveted title of Miss International 2014 and let her know that Belize is very proud of her accomplishment and representation.

Photos by: Tahnee Wilson, Jude Harrison, and Perla Hinojosa.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

ANOTHER BELIZEAN ATHLETE MAKING OUR COUNTRY PROUD

February 21, 2013
ANOTHER BELIZEAN ATHLETE MAKING OUR COUNTRY PROUD !!!

Kelsey Balderamos transferred from St. John’s Junior College to University of St. Thomas · Texas. Balderamos went to high school at St. Catherine Academy where she helped lead her team to the National High School Championship in 2007 and 2008 qualifying to play internationally at the CODICADER Games in 2008 and 2009. She also played for the Stars Volleyball Club.
Kelsey is a member of the 2012 All-Red River Athletic Conference Team and postseason award-winners as voted by the conference's coaches. Champions of Character..... — at University of St. Thomas - Houston.

The Beauty of Belize City Shoreline at Night

Belize City at night is so beautiful with the coastline lit, reflections in the water and stars in the sky.
I can never get enough of this scenery so I thought I would share it with you all.
What do you think?

© 2013 Will Moreno. All Rights Reserved Please feel free to: Like ✔ Tag ✔ Comment ✔ Share ✔

Belize Fashion Fusion 2014 a Success

This past weekend Nouveau Model Management, Belize's premier modeling agency partnered with well known wedding, fashion and events photographer and Philanthropist, Will Moreno from Will Moreno Photography to present an innovative show designed to promote Belizean fashion designers, Belizean jewelry designers, an international fashion designer with Belizean family ties all showcased on the runway by the beautiful and elegant models of Nouveau Model Management.

The fusion of designers such as Danny Torres from Jada's Fashions, Mauricio Canelo of De-Yans Fashion Jewelry, Lula Bennett of Lula's Impressions, supported by local boutiques such as Catwalk Fashions, Pink Boutique and Eve'e Secrets Lingerie made for a spectacular event. The main reason for the fusion and the fashion show was to show a child some love for Valentines as all profit from the show gets donated to charities such as the Belize Association of California and the Love Foundation for the less fortunate Belizean Children. The show was hosted by Jackie Castillo and William Neal.

Photo by: Danae Studios

International Designer, Geraldine Quijano, from Merida, who has Belizean family ties certainly amazed the audience with her swimsuit designs from the ultra modern to the retro styles that are now being used by international celebrities.

The audience was pleasantly surprised at the level of entertainment that they received not only from the runway segments by the designers but by the performances from the shadow dancers who's energy kept the audience wondering if they were real. There were also special performances by the band, Verge of Umbra as well as the Nu Generation Dance Company and Wilson Grinage.

There was also a segment where members of the audience got the opportunity to have fun and strut the runway which had the audience cheering and clapping for their favorites.

In the end the night was a success as the models from Nouveau Model Management finished off the show with a final walk showcasing all NMM Models who graced the runway.

This show has certainly set a new standard for runways shows in Belize and has certainly left the audience looking forward to Fashion Fusion 2015

Monday, July 22, 2013

The world awaits the arrival of the Royal Baby as Kate Middleton enters the hospital in labour

This morning the world is waiting for the arrival of the new Royal Baby as Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, has gone into the early stages of labour and taken to St. Mary's Hospital in London.

Photo by: Reuters

The scene outside Buckingham Palace as the public awaits the arrival of the royal baby. This is the site where the official medical announcement will be displayed on an easel soon after it leaves the Lindo Wing of the Hospital. The information shared will include the baby's sex, time of birth, weight and any other particulars.

Photo by: Yahoo

Outside St. Mary's Hospital where the media has gone into a frenzy waiting for the birth or the future King or Queen of England.

Photo by: CBC

The correct title when referring to the royal baby will he His or Her Royal Highness Prince or Princess (Name) of Cambridge.

What do you think is the sex of the Royal Baby?

Friday, July 12, 2013

Will Carlos Moreno be confirmed as the new US Ambassador to Belize?

*Photo by Aaron Salcido

President Obama yesterday nominated retired California Supreme Court Justice Carlos Moreno as the next U.S. ambassador to Belize.

If confirmed by the Senate, he would be America’s ninth ambassador to the former British Honduras, which became an independent nation in 1981. He would succeed Vinai K. Thummalapally, a scientist and entrepreneur who was an Occidental College classmate of Obama and became the first Indian American to hold an ambassadorship.

Moreno, 64, has been of counsel to Irell & Manella since retiring from the high court in 2009. He acknowledged in a MetNews interview two months ago that he was being vetted for the post.

He said at the time that his judicial experience would stand him in good stead if he were to receive a diplomatic post. “As a judge and a lawyer I’ve had to listen carefully, consider soberly and decide fairly, and to speak in measured tones,” he said. “I think all of those attributes apply to being a representative of the United States abroad.”

Moreno said he had been to Belize once, four years ago with the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association. In addition to the public service opportunity, he said, the appointment would give him the chance to indulge his interest in Mayan archeology.

The country has about 900 Mayan ruins, he explained. It is also “a great area for diving and any kind of sea-related activities,” he said.

Moreno explained that his wife is an avid diver, even though he isn’t. Moreno was nominated by President Bill Clinton in 1998 to serve as a U.S. District Court judge and the Senate unanimously confirmed him. In 2001 he gave up his lifetime federal judgeship to accept Democratic Gov. Gray Davis’ nomination to the state’s high court.

He was reported to be on Obama’s shortlist for the U.S. Supreme Court in 2009, prior to the appointment of Sonia Sotomayor.

Moreno is a Los Angeles native and graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School. His undergraduate degree is from Yale University and his law degree is from Stanford.

He was admitted to the State Bar in 1975. He was a Los Angeles deputy city attorney from 1975 to 1979, prosecuting misdemeanors and handling consumer fraud cases, then became a commercial litigator at Kelley, Drye & Warren.

He left that firm in 1986 when then-Gov. George Deukmejian appointed him to the Compton Municipal Court where he was presiding judge in 1989 and 1990. Deukmejian’s successor and fellow Republican, Pete Wilson, elevated him to the Los Angeles Superior Court in 1993.

He is a former president of the Mexican American Bar Association.

Source: Metropolitan News Company

Facts to know about BELIZE

Belize

Have you ever wondered what paradise looks like? Do you like to look at breathtaking views? Have you ever wondered what it feels like to walk in the past? Do you want to experience Caribbean culture and cuisines at its very best? Are you looking for adventure? Are you looking for your getaway location? You can find all this and more in Belize with the help from Platinum International Real Estate and Investments.

Belize is a small, unspoiled country located in Central America and is fast becoming a world-renowned destination for tourists and international investors alike. It is the only English speaking Central American country due to the historical influences of the British Buccaneers and Colonialists that settled in the country for over a century. It is home to a multi-cultural society made up of Creole, Mestizo, East Indian, Chinese, Arabs, Garifuna, Maya, and Mennonites just to name a few. It is a country rich in Culture and rooted in beliefs of working together for a strong economy. The Belizean people are very friendly and a simple hello is given everywhere you go no matter who you are or what you do.

People that visit Belize keep coming back to immerse themselves in the rich cultural diversity and the well preserved forests and barrier reef that we call paradise. People enjoy soaking in the cool azure Caribbean waters; taking day trips to the fishing, diving or snorkeling preservation sites or taking a hike in the lush protected rain forests that keep the country so serene. The preservation of such beautiful places in Belize is essential for generations to enjoy it even after we move on and leave our legacy behind.
Platinum International Real Estate and Investments, vows to stand firm, work with everyone to bring Belize to a recognizable International Real Estate Level unsurpassed by most in the industry. We look forward to bringing you to a place you can call Home in Belize.

Life in Belize

For many years Belize has gone under the shadows of many other Central American countries. Belize has it unique features that famous celebrities have come to appreciate. You need to understand the geography, history, the people, the economy and the atmosphere to truly appreciate this inspiring place called Belize.

Geography

Belize is positioned in both the northern and western hemisphere. Located in North America on the northern edge of the Central America isthmus 16º 13' N, 88º 48' W - a somewhat narrow strip of land that connects North and South America - the country is bordered by Guatemala, Mexico, the Gulf of Honduras and the Caribbean Sea. Belize is the 23rd country on the list according to world atlas for the lowest density of people to land per square mile. With 240 miles of coastline, 8,805 square miles of land and 62 square miles of water rights it’s easy to see why people are flocking to Belize to call it home.

Belize's diverse landscapes include hundreds of islands, subtropical rainforests, fertile savannas and mountains. It is internationally recognized as a leader in environmental preservation and conservation.

Belize is divided into four main geographic regions, including the relatively low Maya Mountains of the south that dominate all but the narrow coastal plain; the northern lowlands and its many rivers and streams; the flat and swampy coastal plain, and the almost countless cayes, islands and lagoons that fringe its Caribbean coastline. More than 50% of Belize is covered by tropical rain forest that's dissected by a network of rivers, mostly small in length. The largest and most significant river is the navigable Belize River that stretches from the Guatemala border all the way to the Caribbean Sea. Second only in size to the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coastline of Australia, a 175 mile long barrier reef fronts the Belize coastline, intermixed with literally hundreds of islands and cayes. This great site has been recognized as a World Heritage Site, the other site is located 58 miles direct east of Belize City in the Carribean Sea, the Blue Hole; more than 1,000 feet across and some 400 feet deep, it's the opening to a former Ice Age cave, and is today one of the world's most popular dive sites. Belize is divided into six districts; including Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek and Toledo.

History

Archaeological evidence in Belize indicates that the famed Maya culture began to emerge in this lowland area of the Yucatan Peninsula around 1000 BC. That Maya civilization flourished here for eons; great cities were formed, massive ceremonial buildings, palaces, temples and personal dwellings were constructed, and the people farmed the land with great proficiency. Remnants of this extraordinary people and a quite sizeable population of direct descendants still exist in Belize and all across the Yucatan today, despite hundreds of years of European colonization of the area.

Spain aggressively controlled most of the colonies on the fringes of this New World, when the first English settlers arrived in the early 1600s. For the next two centuries military conflicts (mostly naval) between the British and Spanish raged, as both countries desired this land. Regional power struggles continued in the area over the next 50 years, and then in 1862, the Settlement of Belize was officially declared a British colony, and named British Honduras. Similar to all European colonies in the Americas, British Honduras also craved independence, but Guatemala continued to claim the entire area, and the British were reluctant to release their firm grip. By the 1960s the British began to soften their position, and though they still controlled the entire defense and foreign affair of the settlement, its name was changed to Belize in anticipation of the independence, which finally did come in 1981.

The People

Today you can see the remnants of the original settlers in Belize namely the Maya, British and European people. Today Belize offers a multi-cultural society made up of Creole, Mestizo, East Indian, Chinese, Arabs, Garifuna, Maya, and Mennonites just to name a few. Belize is a country rich in Culture and rooted in beliefs of working together for a strong economy. The Belizean people are known for their cultural tolerance, diversity and friendliness and it’s not uncommon to see the Belizean people smiling and waving at anyone passing by.

Spirituality in Belize life is diverse in a way that it will suit many nationalities. Majority of the citizens are Catholics while a fourth of the population are Protestant (Pentecostal, Anglican, Seventh - day Adventist, Mennonite, Methodist, and Jehovah’s Witnesses). Other religions present are Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.

The Economy

Belize is a member of the British Commonwealth and is governed by parliamentary democracy. It then became an independent nation in 1981 and has a stable and progressive political history. Agriculture, manufacturing and tourism are key elements of its economy. Belize enjoys close ties with the U.S. and UK and steady economic growth.

The national currency of Belize is called Belizean Dollar (BZD) and is approximately worth a half of U.S. Dollar, depending on the inflation. It comes in denominations of 2 dollars, 5 dollars, 10 dollars, 20 dollars, 50 dollars, and 100 dollars. One Belizean dollar is a coins and a 25 cent coin is called a shilling.

Foreign investors enjoy a range of incentives in Belize, outlined in its Fiscal Incentives Act of 1990. Foreign-owned real estate privileges, offshore banking and a lack of capital gains tax attract international business to Belize. With Houston airport just over two hours flying time away and Miami airport an hour and a half, the country's proximity to the U.S. is another attractive feature for foreign investors.

The Atmosphere

The laid back atmosphere of Belize life actually comes from a unique blend of nationalities. Belize enjoys a nice tropical weather. It rains a lot during the months of May to November, while dry season is on February to May.

PLATINUM INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE AND INVESTMENTS would love to welcome you to share in our experiences. Selling real estate is what we do best and with our various departmentalized services we offer everyone looking to buy or sell real estate in Belize unmatched services amongst our competitors.

Please take the time to read, comment and share about your experiences.

Thank you,
Platinum International Real Estate
Management and Staff

Written by:
Will Moreno
Copyrighted 2009

Monday, August 11, 2014

Talented Belizean Artists took to the stage at the 2014 Belize National Song Competition

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Another Pageant win for Belize at the 29th Annual Miss International Pageant at the University of South Florida.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

ANOTHER BELIZEAN ATHLETE MAKING OUR COUNTRY PROUD

The Beauty of Belize City Shoreline at Night

Belize Fashion Fusion 2014 a Success

Monday, July 22, 2013

The world awaits the arrival of the Royal Baby as Kate Middleton enters the hospital in labour

Friday, July 12, 2013

Will Carlos Moreno be confirmed as the new US Ambassador to Belize?

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